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Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo on Friday denied the allegation of raping a 13-year-old girl or having been detained by the police over the matter.

Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Ninth Senate, said rather, a woman attempted to extort N5million from him with a threat to report him to the police that he had sexually assaulted her daughter should he refuse to give her the money.

He said following the threat, he personally reported the issue to the police who thereafter invited him to substantiate his claim as well as the unnamed woman to defend herself over the allegation.

He said he was neither detained nor slept in a police cell as reported by a section of the media.

An online media on Thursday reported that Abbo had surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja after being accused of raping a 13-year-old secondary school student.

The report claimed that the parents of the minor allegedly told journalists that another popular former Senator from Adamawa had visited their home to plead with them not to disclose the scandal.

According to the report, the parents of the said girl further alleged that after the incident, Abbo repeatedly sent money to the victim’s father in what they described as an attempt to suppress the matter.

The alleged rape reportedly took place on June 29, 2025, at Abbo’s residence in Katampe, Abuja.

However, Abbo denied the allegation and described the report as baseless, unfounded, mischievous and fake news.

Senator Abbo, who reacted in a telephone conversation with some journalists covering the Senate, said he was in his Abuja residence (Katampe Extension) throughout Thursday and not at the FCID, Abuja.

‘The said report is the handiwork of my political detractors. It is an orchestrated smear campaign to disturb my peace by political enemies,’ he said.

He however admitted that he recently reported to the police a case of attempted blackmail and extortion by a woman who allegedly demanded that he should give her N5million or be reported to the police for alleged sexual assault against her daughter.

‘I personally reported the desperate female money monger to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), where both of us were later invited for questioning, only for me to be reading or hearing a completely different story several weeks after now.

‘The report that I raped a girl and that I was detained at the FCID is baseless, mischievous and fake,’ he said.

If you’ve ever sat at a Tong its table-whether it’s the old-school version with friends on a Sunday afternoon or the modern digital version on your phone-you know one thing is certain: winning isn’t as simple as just drawing good cards.

Tong its, that rummy-style Filipino favorite, has always had a mix of unpredictability, skill, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of drama.

But times have changed. Back in the day, all you needed was a sharp memory, guts to bluff, and maybe a rosary in your pocket for luck.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we now have a third force sitting at the table: your WiFi connection. Without it, all your skill and luck might go down the drain faster than your phone battery on data mode.

So let’s break it down. What really makes someone win at Tong-its today? The answer boils down to three big pillars: Luck, WiFi, and Strategy. And if you think you can skip one, well, prepare to watch your victory slip away.

Let’s be real-Tong its is still a card game, and card games will always have that element of chance.

You could be the most brilliant strategist in the barangay, but if you keep getting stuck with deadwood cards, your brilliance might only shine when you tell the story after the game.

Luck sets the stage. You might draw a golden starting hand, or you might be forced to hold onto the ugliest combination known to man.

But here’s the fun part: luck doesn’t have the final say. Smart players know that luck is like the weather-you can’t control it, but you can prepare for it.

For example, if you’ve been dealt a bad hand, instead of sulking, you might double down on bluffing or focus on reading your opponents’ discards.

Tong its has always rewarded players who adapt. Think of it this way: luck hands you the script, but it’s your strategy that decides if the play becomes a tragedy or a comedy.

Here’s the modern twist nobody from the 20th-century Tong its era saw coming: your internet connection is now a make-or-break factor. And honestly? Sometimes it feels just as cruel as bad luck.

Picture this:

You’re one discard away from declaring Tong its. and suddenly your screen freezes.

You’re in the middle of setting a perfect meld, but lag makes you miss your chance.

Worst of all, your WiFi drops completely, and the system declares you the loser-even though your cards could’ve sealed the win.

Painful, right?

That’s why, in today’s digital Tong its world, WiFi is practically the fourth player at the table. Just as old-school players relied on charms or ‘lucky seats,’ modern players now cross their fingers for strong signal bars.

Want to give yourself a fighting chance? Do some prep work before your next online game:

Play in areas with stable connections.

Close unnecessary apps that eat up bandwidth.

Keep your device and game updated to avoid sudden crashes.

Because let’s face it-there’s no worse way to lose than being taken out not by a better opponent, but by your own shaky connection.

If luck is the weather and WiFi is the new wildcard, then strategy is still the captain of the ship. This is the one pillar you can actually control, and it’s what separates casual players from consistent winners.

Good strategy in Tong its isn’t just about memorizing rules-it’s about sharpening instincts. Every discard, every meld, and every hesitation is a clue you can use.

The best players have a mental notebook running in the background, keeping track of cards like they’re detectives piecing together a case.

Here are a few timeless strategies worth mastering:

Reading the Table: Don’t just stare at your own hand. Watch what others pick up and throw away-it’s like peeking into their thought process.

Discard Discipline: Tossing the wrong card at the wrong time is practically an invitation to lose. Learn when to hold onto high-value cards and when to let go.

Calculated Risk-Taking: Sometimes you have to gamble on keeping a risky set if the payoff could turn the game in your favor.

Perfect Timing: Knowing when to declare Tong its-too early or too late-can completely change the outcome.

The beauty of strategy is that it’s learnable. Unlike luck, you can practice it, refine it, and even reinvent it depending on who you’re up against.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. These pillars don’t work in isolation-they’re more like a three-piece band that only makes good music when they play together.

Luck without strategy? That’s like a jackpot you can’t cash in.

Strategy without WiFi? Good luck watching your brilliant move evaporate mid-game.

WiFi without either luck or strategy? Congrats, you’re online. to lose gracefully.

Winning Tong its consistently means respecting all three pillars. They’re not just abstract concepts; they’re the actual conditions that shape every round you play.

Tong its used to be all about people sitting around a table, shuffling cards, laughing, and maybe throwing in a bit of trash talk.

Today, it’s also about smartphones, apps, and WiFi signals. Does that mean the game has lost its soul? Not at all.

If anything, the evolution of Tong its shows us how traditions bend but don’t break. The rules are still the same. The thrill of a winning hand still makes your heart race. What’s changed is the environment-and we players have to adapt.

Think of it this way: playing Tong its online isn’t abandoning the past. It’s bringing the past into the present, where the ‘deck’ is digital and the ‘table’ might be a chatroom or app lobby.

Let’s make this actionable. If you’re serious about upping your game, here’s how to apply the three pillars:

For Luck:

Accept the randomness. Bad draws will happen-don’t tilt.

Use unlucky hands as a chance to flex your bluffing and defensive play.

For WiFi:

Stick to strong, stable connections. Coffee shop WiFi might be cute, but it’s not reliable.

Close background apps to keep your connection smooth.

Update your game and device regularly-lag loves outdated software.

For Strategy:

Practice consistently. Even casual rounds sharpen decision-making.

Learn from stronger players. Watch how they manage their discards and timing.

Review your own games-yes, even the painful losses. That’s where the best lessons hide.

Tong its is more than just a card game-it’s a cultural staple, a reflection of how Filipinos play, compete, and connect.

Understanding luck, WiFi, and strategy isn’t just about winning; it’s about appreciating how the game mirrors both tradition and technology.

It shows us something bigger too: life itself often runs on the same trifecta. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes your ‘connection’ to opportunities is what makes or breaks you, and sometimes it’s simply about strategy-making the best moves with what you’ve got.

At the end of the day, winning in Tong its comes down to balance. Luck will always be unpredictable, WiFi will always be a modern risk, and strategy will always demand effort. But together, these three form the foundation of consistent success.

So the next time you fire up a game, remember this trifecta. Keep your strategy sharp, accept luck with a grin (or a groan), and for heaven’s sake-check your WiFi before you declare Tong its.

Because nothing hurts more than losing a sure win. to a loading screen.

Actress Laide Bakare has sparked controversy by revealing why she introduced her 17-year-old daughter to clubbing and alcohol.

In a recent interview with content creator Mr. Lilgaga, Bakare stated that she took pride in being the one who introduced her daughter to nightlife, anticipating that her daughter would reference her in her future memoir.

‘I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,’ she stated.

The revelation has elicited mixed reactions, with many criticising Bakare for her parenting decisions.

Some have described her actions as reckless and questioned her judgment as a mother.

It_hafizski wrote, ‘Introducing a 17-year-old to alcohol and nightlife is reckless parenting, not cruise. At that age, guidance and discipline should come first, not clubbing.’

Just_2undey opined, ‘Some of these people are not worth the pedestal the people place them on. All these coming from someone that calls herself a mother.’

DamiTheOG said, ‘Many of those you admire are often poor role models as parents.’

Shuluemp wrote, ‘Which kind of mother takes pride in introducing her 17-year-old to alcohol and clubbing?’

Others have defended Bakare, stating that her approach might foster an open relationship with her daughter.

Sturbyrich opined, ‘Low-key this thing normal, at least her daughter will be free to talk to her about anything. If she no carry her go club, she’ll still go by herself and might even do worse things.’

Brainpink wrote, ‘Make una leave her, that’s how she wants to train her girl. Because if you dey overprotect, sometimes she will still go to the club, drink alcohol and still smoke join, and you won’t notice. But sha, small small ooo.’

Award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has left fans puzzled after sharing cryptic messages on her Instagram Story.

‘Just because it looks easy doesn’t mean it is. one day the story of the traumas will be reviewed,’ she wrote, followed by, ‘The crown is heavy, Lord help me carry it.’

The posts came at a time when the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ had been more open about her personal struggles, including heartbreak, leaked content, and emotional scars.

Although Tiwa offered no further explanation, her words have triggered widespread speculation among fans and critics.

However, Tiwa has not released any follow-up statement to clarify the intent behind her posts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the book ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, will provide guidance and serves as a road map for the nation to build a safer future.

Tinubu said this when his spoke as the Special Guest of Honour during the launch of the book at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, on Friday.

Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, Tinubu said Irabor has demonstrated that ‘leadership in war is not solely about firepower, but also about intellectuals’.

He said, as Theater Commander, Irabor confronted an existential threat to our national identity with the desired determination and pragmatism.

‘Scars tells a story. It reminds us of pain but it also proves that survival is possible. Therefore, the scars we carry as a nation are evidence of our resilience.

‘They remind us of the sacrifice of our heroes past, soldiers, displaced families, and communities,’ Tinubu said.

The President emphasised that the book encourages learning from past experiences to build a safer, more stable future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to this vision, highlighting the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of transforming Nigeria into a nation of peace, opportunity, and unity.

Tinubu emphasised that security is central to his vision, highlighting efforts to modernize the armed forces with cutting-edge technology and platforms.

‘We are also streamlining intelligence gathering capability and deepening regional partnership to boost collective security.

‘We are investing in a whole-of-society approach to security so that peace is not only won on the battlefield but sustained in daily life with participation of the citizens.

‘Let all Nigerians be aware that we will not rest until we defeat all indices of insecurity,’ the President said.

He praised the book as a powerful testament to the importance of ideas in addressing challenges, noting that General Irabor’s work reminds us to cherish and pursue peace, never forgetting the cost of achieving it.

‘Let us use this occasion not only to acknowledge the book but also to affirm our commitment to working together toward a future where every Nigerian can live without fear, thrive in peace, and contribute to the nation’s greatness,’ the President said.

Former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, called for a collective action against Boko Haram.

Monguno identified defective governance and impaired national cohesion as factors hampering peace in the country.

He said the struggle for power within the state, share of resource allocations and fear of domination by ethnic nationalities were making it impossible to address the issue of insecurity.

He said the challenges can be addressed through national cohesion.

‘You cannot address insecurity in the absence of national cohesion. The issue of national cohesion is very important.

‘You cannot legislate love, and you cannot enforce affection, it is something that must come from within,’ Monguno said.

Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has disclosed that he would opt for termination if his 16-year-old daughter were to become pregnant.

The father of two made the revelation during a conversation on The Honest Bunch Podcast with his co-anchor, Zinnie Posh.

When Zinnie asked, ‘What would you do if your 16-year-old daughter got pregnant?’ Freeze responded that his first instinct would be to identify the person responsible for the pregnancy, before taking further steps.

He said, ‘the pregnancy would be terminated. At such a young age, it would be unfair for my daughter to take on the responsibility of raising a child’.

‘For me, a mistake at such a young age shouldn’t be compounded by raising a child while still a teenager’. He added

He argued that keeping the baby would simply mean another mistake, though he clarified that he would respect his daughter’s personal choice if she insisted.

When asked what would happen if his daughter insisted on keeping the pregnancy, he responded, ‘After what I do to her, she won’t even want to keep it.’

Popular media personality Daddy Freeze has spoken candidly about the toll his failed marriage took on his life, including a strained relationship with his children that has lasted for years.

Speaking in an interview with media host Chude Jideonwo, Freeze recalled marrying his ex-wife because she was pregnant, admitting that the union was troubled from the start.

‘The marriage broke me. It was two damaged people in a union and when it ended, it cost me jobs, it kept me from my children, and it left me so broken that even the few jobs I got, I could not do them well,’ he said.

He also revealed how financial struggles worsened the situation. ‘I remember being so broke that I could not even afford N10,000 to buy cake for my daughter’s birthday,’ Freeze noted, adding that his children came to view him as ‘the devil.’

Reflecting on the past decade, he described the pain of limited contact with his kids. ‘The last time I saw them, it was just five minutes, supervised,’ he said. ‘Am I a murderer?’

Freeze, however, highlighted a more stable phase in his present marriage, stressing that he has never raised his hand against his wife.

Beyond family, the broadcaster also addressed his views on religion, faith and prosperity preaching, reiterating controversial positions he has often taken about Christianity.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a retired Director (Administration and Finance) at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Garba Mohammed Duku to either refund N1, 592,750,000 (N1.6b) to the coffers of the Federal Government or spend the next four years in prison.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday after convicting Duku, said to have retired from the AMMC in 2014, of the offences of corruption and money laundering, on a six-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Duku, who looked well-fed, with glowing skin, was said to have committed the offences between 2012 and 2013, when he converted funds, totalling N318,550,000 transferred from AMMC into his personal account domiciled with Fidelity Bank Plc.

Justice Omotosho found that Duku received N56,250,000 into the Fidelity Bank account on July 23, 2012; N71m on December 2012; N53m on December 7, 2012; N54m on December 2012; N46m on March 8, 2013 and N36,300,000 on March 21, 2013.

The judge found that, not only was the defendant unable to justify the payment of his employer’s funds into his personal account that he opened just a year earlier (2011) and became dormant immediately he retired, he also failed to provide convincing evidence for what official projects the funds were deployed for.

Justice Omotosho noted that the manner the defendant withdrew the funds hastily, in tens of millions, some of which were sent to bureau de change for conversion to United States dollars, betrayed a sinister motive.

The judge found that the defendant, in his statement to the ICPC claimed to have handed some of the funds in dollars to some of his superiors, a claim the court said, he failed to support with evidence.

Justice Omotosho also noted that some of his subordinates, called as prosecution witnesses, claimed to have been directed to issue certificates of completion for projects they did not inspect, a claim, the judge said the defendants also failed to disprove.

He faulted the defendant’s lawyer’s arguement that the funds in question were appropriated for, noting that most of the funds appropriated by public officials in the country are mostly monies duly budgeted/appropriated for projects .

Justice Omotosho found that the prosecution established all the relevant ingredients relating to the offences charged and proved itS case beyond reasonable doubt, as required under the law, with the three witnesses called.

He also found the the defendant failed to dislodge the case of the prosecution through his sole witness, which was himself.

The judge, accordingly convicted the defendant on all counts.

In his allocutus, the defendant, who said he could not fully recollect all that happened while he was in service as at when he made statements to the investigation some years later, prayed the court for mercy.

The judge proceeded to sentence Duku to four years imprisonment per count with an option of fine, which must be an equivalent of five times the amount listed in each count.

Four count one, he is to refund N355m; count two, N230m; count three, N270m; count four, N266.25m; count five, N280m and count six, N191.5m.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Friday re-emphasized that no Nigerian mother should lose her life while giving birth, as she commissioned two major health facilities in Gombe State.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 100-bed Senator Oluremi Tinubu Maternal and Child Specialist Hospital, the First Lady described healthcare – particularly maternal and child health – as central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said ‘the commissioning of this hospital is not just the unveiling of a building; it is the opening of doors to life, to hope, and to a healthier future for our mothers and our children.

‘Healthcare, especially maternal and child health, is at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to ensure that every Nigerian child has a healthy start in life, and that no mother dies while birthing life’, Mrs. Tinubu declared.

She commended the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for building the hospital, noting that the facility would significantly help reduce maternal and infant mortality while bringing relief to families in Gombe and neighboring states.

‘It is my belief that this facility will provide quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and bring relief to families in Gombe State and beyond,’ the First Lady said, while urging medical professionals, community leaders, and citizens to ensure the facility serves its purpose with excellence, compassion, and integrity.

In addition to the specialist hospital, Senator Tinubu also commissioned the ultra-modern New College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe, where she interacted with enthusiastic students who expressed gratitude for her visit.

The First Lady’s engagements in Gombe form part of her ongoing nationwide advocacy for improved healthcare and education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She has since returned to Abuja after her two-day official visit to the state.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued stern warnings to contractors handling failed federal roads in Edo State, threatening to revoke contracts of those who fail to return to the site.

Umahi also vowed to redeploy heads of the ministry in states where palliative works are neglected, stressing the need to ease the movement of motorists.

He gave the warning during an inspection tour of federal roads in Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts, accompanied by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The team visited Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Expressway, Egbele in Uromi, sections of the Benin-Asaba Expressway under reconstruction, and the Ewu-Agbor road.

During the visit, Umahi urged the governor to intensify support for road users and officially handed over the completion of one carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government. He explained that while the Federal Ministry of Works would provide the design, the state government would handle execution.

The minister emphasized that contractors have a moral responsibility to assist with remedial work on the nation’s highways.

According to him, ‘You have to hold me responsible for the heavy traffic on the highway because the President has given every assistance to ensure that this road, all the way from Warri down to Abuja, is in very good condition. The President has directed that none of this project should not stop. So if you see any of them stopping, it is our responsibility. And we owe the public very serious apologies.

‘I’ve been announcing that the President has directed that all contractors be back on site. He has saved money to pay them. I’m directing them to get back to the site. I’m commending them because they have not been paid even a kobo in terms of mobilization. So I commend them for starting. When I terminate the job, you can go and demarket me. You can go and say all kinds of nonsense about me. But my conscience is before God. I work for God. I work for the President. And so I’m very courageous to do the right thing. And this is very important. And when you are doing the right thing, no matter the attack you have, God will always be with you.

‘One of the greatest problems we have is that we have about six companies. They have more than 25 jobs each. And these were inherited jobs from the past administration. So they don’t have the personnel. They don’t have the equipment to man those jobs. So they go into economic politics. And say, Oh, there is rain. Oh, there is compensation. But I’m poised to address such politics. People are suffering.

‘The President is committed to righting the wrongs of the past. When we came on board and I challenged anybody, tell me any state outside what the governors are doing that has a hundred kilometers of road that you can pass without a challenge.’

Governor Okpbholo, on his part, thanked President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads.

He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results, assuring that Edo’s promise of bloc vote for the president in 2027 is non-negotiable.

‘What our administration is doing is visible to everyone. In the past, the State Government put up signs saying ‘please bear with us. This is a federal road.’ But Edo people use these roads, and we cannot abandon them. President Tinubu has changed the narrative, and our people are grateful. The by-election results have shown that Edo people have rejected the PDP and embraced APC,’ the governor said.